Located in Brazoria County, a small cemetery in Clute conceals a significant issue behind its headstones: a large hole oozing raw sewage from fractured pipes.
For months, Gregory Rodriguez has awaited repairs after a pipe behind his residence ruptured.
“This is all raw sewage,” he lamented, gesturing towards the seepage behind his fence.
Rodriguez acknowledged the city’s assistance in addressing some concerns about the damaged pipe. However, he emphasized the substantial expense of rerouting a sewer line from its current location to his property.
He contends that the sewer line likely traverses city-controlled territory. Yet, the Clue city manager stated that the line’s installation predated the city’s jurisdiction over the area and lacks documentation.
“They’re telling me they don’t have any record of it, so therefore, it’s a private line, and I’m responsible for it,” Rodriguez asserted.
Inspecting the area, Rodriguez pointed out the deteriorated concrete pipe and emphasized its lack of functionality.
While the city manager disavowed responsibility for the sewer line, contractors have been engaged to rectify the issue.
Rodriguez argues that the city should bear the cost of repairing the line, as it doesn’t fall within his property or the cemetery, which he discovered is owned by a trust.
According to the city manager, Rodriguez is tasked with installing a new sewer line to connect with the city line once contractors determine its location.
